CHALLENGES FACING

THE WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL

IN THE NEXT DECADE

Presented by:

Rev. Ivan Abrahams

MCSA Conference – Swaziland

20 September 2012

Brief overview of my presentation

History of WMC

Challenges facing the World Methodist Council

My vision for the WMC

Lessons learnt and relevance to MCSA

Conclusion

Brief History of WMC

•Founded in London, 1881 •Links 80 million people in the Wesleyan, Methodist, Nazarene, United and Uniting Church traditions •Has 8 standing committees – Ecumenical Relations, Education, Evangelism, Family Life, Social Justice, Theological Education, Worship and Liturgy, Youth and Young Adults

OVERVIEW

CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES facing the WMC

• Seismic shifts in the political, social, economic as well as Christian landscape;

• Witnessed

– global terrorism

– Environmental destruction

– Economic crises

– A moral malaise

OVERVIEW

Also seen:

– Fall of totalitarian regimes

–Advancement of technologies

–Growth of organisations working towards ending • poverty,

• disease,

• conflict and

• racism

OVERVIEW (cont.)

Live in a diverse multi-cultural, multi-lingual and religiously plural world that has seen changes to ecumenical & ecclesiastical landscape;

Yet, I see amidst these challenges a time pregnant with HOPE & POSSIBILITIES

OVERVIEW (cont.)

Against these realities, we need to KNOW WHO WE ARE and WHY WE EXIST.

God has called us for a SPECIAL PURPOSE – to work for God’s design in our lives and to transform the church, society and the world.

OVERVIEW (cont.)

EXTERNAL CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

A need to take contributions of Asia, Africa and South America seriously

Bringing Vitality and Renewal

An opportunity for us (WMC) to align strategies and programmes to address this shift

The centre of gravity of Christianity has moved from north to south

Its values of post-modernity like: Privatised spirituality; moral relativism; secularism,

materialism and individualism challenges our Wesleyan witness

It has brought about a combination of ecological and geo-political crises

.... challenges our Gospel values of love for neighbour and care of creation

Economic & Cultural Globalisation:

It has led to an increase in migration and urbanisation

ecclesiastical implications and challenges the WMC in managing relationships with migrant “host and home” churches;

It has led to fundamentalism...(Threat to a more open and inclusive society)

An opportunity for the WMC to preach and teach the “Wesleyan Essentials of the Christian Faith” and “Wesley’s General Rule of Christian Conduct”

Economic & Cultural Globalisation:

We (WMC) have potential to model a

counter-culture to globalisation – through our

life and witness:-

Building inclusive relationships

Expressing solidarity

Sharing resources

Working for reconciliation

CONNEXIOANLISM linked to

PERSONAL & SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Economic & Cultural Globalisation:

Multi-cultural & religiously plural context

Challenged to be sensitive, respectful & attune to celebrating diversity;

Challenged to treat all (members) equally, with respect and dignity irrespective of tradition or culture

WMC has the opportunity to broaden inter-faith dialogue and promote peace & justice

Global Conflicts & Public Issues

Challenged to amplify our prophetic voice:-

Serving as mediator and advocate

Be more visible in providing strategic and moral leadership

Accompany member churches in situations of conflict

Changes in Ecumenical & Ecclesiastical landscape

WMC is challenged to expand opportunities for ministry and mission

Opportunity to be innovative in “being and doing” church – especially through our World Evangelism Institute

Enter into conversation with new ecumenical formations

INTERNAL CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

Affirm our current Strategic Framework

it reflects clearly our Vision and Mission through its policies and

organisational design

Relationship Building Listen to our member churches

Expand partnerships with new ecclesiastical formations and civil society organisations

Build community – not preserving institutions

Seek greater cohesion and collaboration with Operational & Standing Committees and affiliated and related organisations

ICT

Need to be aware of advancement in ICT:-

Strengthen our profile, brand and image

Tell our stories, share information and speak to youth in the “language of the day”

To be used for greater transparency and reciprocity – improving our work; conversation; co-operation and witness

Usage of audio and visual media

As a tool for fundraising (resource mobilisation)

Effective Resource Management

challenged to manage resources more effectively to achieve our vision & mission

Harness and nurture the intellectual capital, gifts and creativity of members and staff

ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of our Strategic Plan (when adopted by Council)

MY VISION

for the WMC

affirm the commitment, work and contribution of present and former staff

under the power of God’s Spirit we can work together – “to make all things new”

bringing about healing and reconciliation should be derived from the missio dei

The WMC is God’s gift of Service to Methodists and the world:-

Supporting the vision and ministries of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute;

Facilitating growth of our “Achieving the Vision” Endowment Fund;

Capacitating Operational & Standing Committees

Working with affiliated and related organisations

Need to respond to challenges and opportunities:

timeously, appropriately and adequately

speaking of God’s enduring love in situations of economic deprivation, human suffering and spiritual malaise

by communicating the Good News

by mobilising the Spiritual, Human & Financial Resources in achieving our vision and mission

What Lessons for the MCSA? Hans Kung

“Is it still possible to save the Church”

I have now attended 5 General and 3 Annual Conferences of churches in Wesleyan/Methodist tradition

Is MCSA out of step with Global Methodism?

Restructuring process a revolving door?

Affirmation, Acknowledgement, Recognition .......

Leadership know when to step up as well as step down

Is our vision too big or maybe too small?

Should we rather speak of a healed and transformed Church (other Methodist/Wesleyan traditions) before a healed and transformed nation?

What does the demographic shift mean to churches in the global south?

How will our African ecclesiology and spirituality shape Christianity in the 21st century?

What does it mean to have “one of our own” leading this global organisation?

Conclusion

• The WMC is a privileged instrument

• The WMC stands on a strong foundation

• Therefore, serving the WMC is

– a humble honour

– singular privilege

Thank you for your Attention